I'm currently reading a book called "Homeward Bound: Why Women are Embracing the New Domesticity"-it's about the new movement toward the DIY, homesteading, baking, crafting, attachment parenting culture. Here is a link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/145166544X

It's been causing me to think about feminism, how I define it, and whether or not I put myself in this catagory. Since we kind of have a smattering of age here, I thought it would be interesting to get others opinions.

How do you define feminism and do you see yourself as one? Also, do you think that the move towards a "modern homemaker" type culture is bad for women? Especially for the moms--the idea that attachment parenting, baby wearing, and extended breastfeeding was oppressive to women was brought up--what to you think?

I think it's great that we have the choice. That it is acceptable for a woman to be the family bread winner while the man stays home, that its acceptable for a woman to choose career over baby making. I also think it's great that women who do choose to be stay at home moms are not see and 'just' stay at home moms anymore.

Absolutely I'm a feminist. I believe women should have the same choices, opportunities, and treatment that men have. If they choose to stay at home and raise babies instead of working, I'm glad that they were fortunate enough to make that choice. (Secretly I hope they have the skills to get a job to support their family should an emergency happen, but it's not my choice--it's theirs).

Well I believe women should have equal opportunities to make the choices they like regarding family, career (as long as they are capable and qualified), etc. without being denied those choices solely because of their gender. I guess that makes me a feminist, although in some ways I don't like having a word for it because it shouldn't be something warranting a word or any special belief system - it should just be true.

Unfortunately, human nature being what it is, many people see other people making different choices than their own as a threat to their choices. So in some ways women can be our own worst enemies, which I dearly wish people would just knock off.

I am 100% feminist. The word itself has become so tangled up, it's hard for people to realize that it means women are just as capable and deserving of the same basic rights and courtesies as men.

I am a feminist because women are still asked after an attack, "What were you wearing? Were you drinking? Did you ask for it?"

Because a decisive and strong-willed woman is still a "shrew", a "harridan" or a "b*tch

Because men are still legislating what I can and cannot do with my own body parts. Also, what medications I can or cannot take.

Because slut-shaming is still an accepted thing.

Because there is still no such thing as equal pay.

Because female politicians are still asked more about their wardrobe and personal life versus their policies than anyone would ever dream of asking their male counterparts.

Because women are still seen as less capable in the math and science sectors.

Because I've been told that in order to increase my sales, I just need to start wearing skirts, not improve my closing skills.

I proudly proclaim myself a feminist...it means the above.

There is a great quote from one of my favorite books "Radical Homemaker" that talks about what the basis of it is for me...I need to try and find it.

Basically, we have to be careful that we dont trade gilded cages for glass ceilings. It is JUST as important for a woman to be a doctor or an engineer as it is for woman to be able to dedicate time and energy to their family and children. Its a balance that each family needs to make work for themselves BUT I don't like anyone feeling there is no choice but to enter the rat race or no choice but to stay at home. That anyone has to work IMO is just as bad as someone "having" to stay at home

Eh, that is probably not very clear...will try and clarify later but am in the middle of working in the gardens right now....taking just a 5 min break and this caught my eye

I consider myself a feminist and by that, I mean I support opportunities and treatment that are equal to that of men. Basically, it's equal legal and societal treatment... like equal pay, armed forces service opportunities and government representation.

I think a woman doing what she wants, whether it's to be a doctor or to stay home and have babies is the epitome of feminism. My husband is a feminist, too.

And now that I read the other responses, I see that I'm in line with others.

I'm currently taking a class in Feminism, what it is and how it relates to issues in society today. Like Zoom said, the word "feminism" has really become entangled with so much crap that it immediately makes most people go "no of course I'm not a radical, hairy, bra-burning, man-hating woman!" It's really an unfortunate thing to happen, especially since there is so much sexism still going on that we need to right. So yeah, I am a person who believes in equal rights for all people that are not prejudiced by sex.

I'm replying without reading anyone else's replies so apologies if I'm just repeating after anyone!

I believe that feminism is all about CHOICE. The choice to be a business woman or house wife or anything in between. I believe that in the end it's all about equality. I do not want to be treated better than men, not at all. I just want the same opportunities available to me, just like how I think a man should be able to be a stay at home father if he wants.

It bothers me when women declare that they are not feminists, nuh uh, not them. Really? You don't want to be treated equally? You don't want access to all of these opportunities that only decades ago were not available to you? Feminism is not about hating men or stereotypically feminine traits/qualities. I think men are great and I love baking for my boyfriend and nurturing pets (in lieu of children.) I love cute clothes and getting dolled up. None of that excludes me from being a feminist!